GALVESTON, OH GALVESTON

Galveston, oh, Galveston
I still hear your seawinds blowing
I still see her dark eyes glowing
She was twenty one, when I left Galveston
Galveston, oh, Galveston
I still hear your seawaves crashin
While I watch the cannons flashin’
I clean my gun, and dream of Galveston
I still see her standing by the water
Standing there looking out to sea
And is she waiting there for me
On the beach where we used to run
Galveston, oh, Galveston
I am so afraid of dying
Before I dry the tears she’s crying
Before I watch your sea birds flying
In the sun, at Galveston, at Galveston

And if you want to feel old, it was released in 1969 – ouch!

We toured Galveston today, I wasn’t really looking forward to it. Why? Well, a number of years ago, we took a cruise with my son Gene and his wife Jenny. We flew from Philly to Houston, and then took a taxi directly from there to the cruise ship terminal. All we saw was oil refinery after oil refinery. Not a pretty sight.

I had no way of knowing the treat that was coming our way. When we visit a place for the first time, I do my research – attractions, galleries, shopping, architecture, wineries, restaurants, must-dos and must-sees. We headed out armed with a list.

Galveston is a city on Galveston Bay. it is unlike any other city we’ve visited. It is first and foremost a beach city. Miles and miles of sandy beaches. Some you can drive on, and some you can’t. Parking on the beach costs $8.00 / day, and the cars were parked at least 5 deep. Not sure how you would get your car out of there. People were enjoying the beach, with lots of them in the water (too cold for us). We drove along Seawall Boulevard, supposedly the 3rd longest seawall in the world. The sidewalk adjacent to Seawall Boulevard on top of the seawall is claimed to be the longest continuous sidewalk in the world at 10.3 miles long. The seawall is 10 miles long. It is approximately 17 feet high, and 16 feet thick at its base. Not so sure how much that would help against a monster storm.

It reminded us of a New Jersey beach town, complete with Pleasure Pier, a huge jetty with many rides like roller coasters and ferris wheels – a child’s (and many adults) paradise.

There is restaurant after restaurant, each boasting the best pizza, the greatest wings, or the world’s best seafood. We chose to eat in the – wait for it (drum roll, please ) – MOSQUITO CAFE. I know, I know, crazy, right? Given how I feel about mosquitoes. But it was the second best restaurant in Galveston on so many lists – we just had to try it. Plus, you had to be all dolled- up for the #1 restaurant.

Check out the drop of blood for the ‘i’ dot.

This is their fan pull.

This is the documented level of the water rise in the cafe, for Hurricane Ike.

Not to mention, Patty Cakes Bakery was right across the street, owned by the same folks.

Of course we indulged !!!

The Mosquito did not disappoint. It was an odd little cafe where you put your order in at the counter, then they gave you a stand with a number to put on your table. They serve the food and clean up. That doesn’t sound much like a #2 out of a possible 238, does it? But the food was delicious!!! We both chose St. Patty’s Day Specials. Couldn’t have asked for better.

The thing that really dazzled us today was the architecture. OMG ! This is Victorian Heaven. We took a few photos of the houses that are considered must-sees.

This is Bishop’s Palace.

And Moody House –

This is a private home.

Plus about 50 more architectural gems. And most amazingly, these houses are a bicycle ride away from the beach. Many of them have gardens filled with one of my favorite flowers, the hibiscus.

Isn’t that stunning?

We also did a Tree Scupture Self-Guided Tour. In 2008, Hurricane Ike covered most of Galveston with a tidal surge (see Mosquio Cafe above for water level). The powerful combination of wind and waves uprooted many trees, and led to the death of thousands. But artists and homeowners breathed a second life into some of these trees. There are approximately 35 sculptures carved out of the stumps where trees used to stand proudly. They are tucked in backyards, and nestled in gardens – whimsical, yet beautiful. It was a wonderful way to explore the Historic East End. Here is a sampling of the sculptures:

Two herons, decorated for St. Patty’s Day.

A mermaid with dolphins.

Galvestonions worked very hard to ensure that the trees that were destroyed by the hurricane were kept out of landfills and used for recycling projects. For example, 200 tons of wood were shipped to Malaga, Spain to complete a full-scale replica of the Brig, “Galveztown”. Local lumberyards took tons of wood to dry, mill and reuse for building projects. Local artists handcrafted bowls and other items for sale at local galleries. Incredible!

Be sure to add Galveston to your travels – you’ll be happy you did!

For Glen Cambell fans, here’s video of a live performance in his prime:

Correction To Last Post:

I want – no, need – to make a correction to my last blog – Popsicle Toes. If memory serves, my sister’s toes were Lollypop Toes. Either way – same /same.

Hi Janet, Until you mentioned lollipop toes, it was when I first realized Popsicle was wrong!! It’s been so long since the last time my toes were topic of discussion. I did get a few good laughs from your blog.
Not crazy about the song ‘Galveston” but the beaches look beautiful.
Looking forward to your next stop.
💙 Joan
Oh btw. I bought “GOLD BOND” healing lotion for my (cement knees) and it seems to be working quite well!! 🎎🎎🎎🎎👣👣

It took me a while as well about the toes. But now we’re on to the knee department. Glad you find “Gold Bond” to be helpful. I wonder how many people know what “cement Knees” are? My guess is not many. So happy you’re following along. Janet